Hospital journal

Collection

Identifier: MSS 2/332

Scope and Contents

The collections consists of a journal, [18]88 Mar.-Apr., containing entries recorded by the staff of a hospital or clinic operated by Dr. William Alexander Hammond, 1828-1900. The volume documents the condition and care of patients, often including which if any medications were administered. The phrase "Night Orders Dr. Hammond" appears on the front cover of the volume. Dr. Hammond’s signature appears frequently throughout the journal.

Dates

1888

Biographical / Historical

Physician and neurologist William Alexander Hammond was born 28 Aug. 1828 in Annapolis, Md. He died in Washington, D.C. on 5 Jan. 1900. He received his medical degree from the University of the City of New York in 1848 and shortly after a year spent at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., he joined teh United States Army as an assistant surgeon in 1849. After serviing at a number of posts in New Mexico, Kansas, Florida, and West Point, Hammond resigned his commission in 1859 to become chair of anatomy and physiology at the University of Maryland. Upon the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War, Hammond left the University and rejoined the U.S. Army. He was assigned to administrative work in the organization of hospitals and sanitary stations. His success brought him appointment as Surgeon-General of the Medical Corps over the heads of his superiors. Hammond served as Surgeon-General from Apr. 1862 to Aug. 1864 when he was dismissed from service as the result of a court-martial brought against him. the court-decision was later reversed in 1879, and Hammond appointed a full brigadier-general and placed upon the retired list. In the interim, Hammond moved after the war to New York City where he lectured at the College ofPhysicians and Surgeons, Bellevue Medical College, and the University of the City of New York.

In addition, he helped found the New York Post-Graduate Medical School. Having acquired substantial personal wealth and following the reversal of the court-martial verdict against him, Hammond moved back to Washington, D.C. in mid-1888. He lived there until his death.